By Funmilola Gboteku
The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Prof. Enase Okonedo, has urged Nigerian youths to leverage technology to drive leadership, creativity, and positive societal change, rather than just using it for convenience.
Okonedo made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Third Annual 2025 Dacurate Secondary School Debate Competition, held on Friday in Lagos.
The competition themed, “Leadership and Technology,” drew participation from 10 secondary schools shortlisted from more than 100 entries across Lagos.
Okonedo said the theme was timely, stressing that the world required leaders who could combine innovation with moral strength and responsibility.
“Leadership today is not about titles or positions but about influence and integrity. Technology can amplify your voice, but character determines whether that voice builds or destroys,” Okonedo said.
She said that while technology had created a level playing field for young people, it had also placed on them the responsibility to use digital tools wisely.
“Your phone is not just for social media. It can be your first tool of leadership, learning, connecting and driving change. What you do online tells the world who you are,” she said.
The vice-chancellor urged students to take up digital skills such as coding, design and data analysis, noting that Nigeria’s next innovators and entrepreneurs would emerge from those who use technology to solve real-life problems.
She also emphasised the need for strong personal values, describing character as the foundation of enduring leadership.
“Technology gives you reach, but values give you direction. Leadership without integrity leads to chaos.
“The digital world rewards creativity, but it also remembers everything. Your footprint becomes part of your leadership story,” she said.
Okonedo tasked the students to lead with purpose and empathy, adding that collaboration and problem-solving were more relevant than competition in today’s interconnected world.
“In this digital age, what matters is not who comes first, but who brings people together to solve problems.
“The future belongs to those who can create solutions, not just those who seek recognition,” she said.
She further cited examples of young Nigerians making global impact through innovation, including founders of major technology firms who started with simple ideas.
“Our country has produced some of Africa’s most creative minds, innovators who saw problems and turned them into opportunities. That same spirit lives in every young person here today,” she added.
Okonedo urged the students to let integrity and purpose guide their digital footprint.
“Technology is powerful, but it could also be harmful. The leaders of the digital future must be guided by purpose, integrity, and resilience,” she said.
Also, Mr Mateen Taomu, Convener and Team Lead of the Dacurate Secondary Debate Competition, said the competition was created to promote critical thinking, innovation and ethical leadership among young people.
Taomu said the theme reflects global shifts in leadership driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
“There is no company or country in the world today that is not adapting to technology.
“We believe the next generation of leaders must be equipped to navigate the digital future with skill and confidence.
“Every sector of our society needs transformation, and it starts with education. What will take this nation forward are platforms that inspire students to lead with knowledge and purpose,” he said.
Taomu explained that the initiative had helped schools understand that educational excellence and innovation could serve as healthy grounds for competition.
He disclosed that Dacurate aimed to expand the competition beyond Lagos, building on partnerships with sponsors and judges to create a national and possibly global platform in the coming years.
Speaking on the debate, he said that after a fierce competition among the 10 schools, Redeemer’s International Secondary School won the grand prize of ₦500,000.
Followed by Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki, with ₦300,000, while Grace High School, Gbagada, placed third, receiving ₦200,000.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Judges at the event included Damilola Teidi, Head of Platforms and Networks; Jude Dike, Co-Founder of GetEquity; and Josemaria Agulanna, Co-Founder at Keble.
NAN also reports that Dacurate, is a data-driven educational social organisation that supports young people by building their confidence, innovation capacity and leadership mindset. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Oluwafunke Ishola
